This was cruise number 45 for us, and as Diamond members with RCL we enjoyed some perks which they notify you about on board. Three "selected" drinks each night from 4:30 - 8:00pm at most bars/restaurants; one day free internet per person; Diamond Lounge each night with h'ors d'ouevres and free "selected drinks". This new ship is much the same as Harmony, its sister ship, which we cruised on last year, same time.This experience was much better, mainly in terms of food. We purchased, before the cruise, the 7 night "ultimate dining package" for specialty restaurants, which also included four lunches at specialty restaurants. We purchased this package because many of the food reviews for the main dining room and Wind Jammer (upstairs buffet) were not as expected, and we had a OBC which offset some of the $400 cost. It turned out to be a good decision and we had some superb meals at Hooked ( whole lobster, oysters on half shell, whole branzino fish; superb seafood chowder at lunch); Chops - superb 8 oz filet mignon, steaks ( even at lunch); very good rack of lamb and terrific bread; Jamies - pretty good Italian food as well as grilled lamb chops, one of their better dishes. 150 Park, good steaks and rack of lamb; Izumi does not include "Hibachi" ( which is $52 pp extra). We had other Japanese items which included an excellent Miso Soup, so-so gyoza and entrees. Food needs to be improved here, ditto for service. We skipped Wonderland again, as we did on Harmony as the menu did not excite us. THE MAIN BENEFIT OF BUYING THIS PACKAGE OTHER THAN SUPERIOR FOOD IS THAT WE DID NOT HAVE TO WAIT ON LINE FOR ANY OF OUR MEALS!!!!!

We also ate in Solarium ( 15 forward) breakfast and some lunches, which has no charge. Pretty good food. One of our favorites is Park Cafe, deck 8 in Central Park, and those terrific roast beef sandwiches for lunch and panini's for breakfast. Try their dulce de leche croissant in the morning ... best ever.Two of the sea days we had a nice buffet breakfast in the main dining room on deck 3, aft. Sorrento's, deck 5 has very good pizza til the wee hours of the morning.

Our forward balcony cabin, 12554, was starboard near the elevator and a very good choice for access to most of the specialty restaurants on decks 8 and 16 forward, as well as the two pools on 15 and the Solarium restaurant. Our cabin was spacious, with two closets - one on each side of the bed, ample storage drawers and a big enough shower. Thankfully, they did not chintze on the storage space. Read more